Splanzia

Chania, Greece

Set in the quiet maze of back streets behind the hustle and bustle of Chania's harbour, next to the Kastelli area, is the Splanzia district - the Turkish quarter for over 200 years of the occupation, an area instantly recognisable for its prominent dome-shaped Mosque (restored in 1645) at the waterfront and the spiralling minarets that adorn the majority of the Christian churches in the district. The hotel is superbly situated to visit any of the sites and places of interest in the town. It is also just a few minutes' walk from the harbour and close to the main market. There are numerous excellent restaurants and coffee shops nearby. A couple of minutes in the other direction guests will find the heart of Chania's shopping district, the leather market and the central bus station. Souda Airport is around 10 km away. This charming little family-run, eight-room boutique hotel has as much emphasis on hospitality and local traditions as on the comfortable, contemporary and decadent décor of this stylishly restored Venetian building. Service is intimate, relaxed and friendly, with emphasis on using fresh homemade and local produce in anything served. Stone walls, arches and the original fireplace in the corner are reminders of the former elegance of this Venetian mansion. The décor is very reminiscent of its historical past and the theme is Eastern Chic - neo-classical furnishings with lots of granite, iron, wood and bold fabrics made from luxurious silks, decadently embroidered drapes and Turkish carpets. Guests are welcomed in a lobby with 24-hour check-out service, and facilities at this air-conditioned design hotel include a hotel safe, breakfast room and wireless Internet access.